Peek-a-boo

Piaget says that peek-a-boo is one of the most important accomplishments in development. He doesn't really say that, but he says that object permanence is, and that is why Peek-a-boo is Simeon's favorite game, because he likes important things. You probably all know this, but object permanence is the cognitive understanding that an object exists even if you can't see it, hear it, or touch it.

Don't you think it interesting that this cognitive understanding develops in the first year of a human life (sometimes as early as 3 months, but usually between 5 and 12 months). This understanding that if mommy hides the clicker under the pillow, the clicker will be under the pillow until Simeon can wriggle his way over there when Mommy and Reuben aren't paying attention, move the pillow, and push all the buttons he wants. This understanding that when mommy goes down the stairs, the place to look for mommy is by the stairs.

I've been thinking a lot about faith and trust lately, understandably, as this time period is a trial of my faith and trust. Some kind of developmental challenge. I've decided that I will consider this a  divine peek-a-boo game, designed to reinforce object permanence. I will do all I can to move the blanket to speed the game along. I'll not lose interest so I am actually looking when the peek-a-boo part happens. And I'll do my best to giggle uncontrollably when He pulls the blanket up to reveal a job, and a home (even if it is just a small apartment again.)

I admit openly that I have a poor memory, and if you have had a conversation with me you believe me. This is why I think I have such a hard time with trusting. But then I go back and read about the divine peek-a-boo games I have already played and my hope is rekindled, that it actually is a peek-a-boo game instead of a disappearing act.